CO - OP LIVI NG
fi re departments in the state. In many rural service ar- eas, consumer-members depend on these departments to protect their properties from loss. As a whole, wildfi res across the entire state of Okla- homa have burned more than 116,000 acres since July 28. Of that total, the Creek County wildfi re burned an estimated 60,000 acres or more, most of it belonging to rural landowners.
Verdigris Valley Electric Cooperative (VVEC) leaders noticed earlier this summer their “Green Country” was no longer green. Kay Rabbitt-Brower, communications specialist, said her drought-stricken cooperative was ready and more than willing to help the fi re depart- ments in their area.
“They believe in you having power, even if there is smoke all around them.”
-RANDY SIMMONS,
OKLAHOMA ELECTRIC CO-OP OPERATIONS MANAGER
“We wanted to let them know we value the role they play in the lives of north- eastern Oklahomans,” Rabbitt-Brower said. “They learn to be capable fi refi ght- ers, give up personal time and expense to man a fi re station and hold their own fundraisers for equipment—all to protect our families, properties and livestock.” VVEC donated nearly 70,000 bottles of Gatorade and water to 40 fi re depart- ments. Rabbitt-Brower helped organize and deliver the pallets of donations. “It was truly a fantastic project,” Rabbitt-Brower said. “I’m privileged to work with people who are excited to meet those needs.” OEC used its Operation Round-Up to donate $1,000 each to approximately
25 fi re departments in its service territory. Operation Round Up consists of co- op members being invited to round up their bills to the nearest dollar, donating their extra change and trusting their co-op to give the funds to a deserving cause in their community. Chief Financial Offi cer Charles Barton said the compassion they feel for the
fi refi ghters in this weather is immeasurable. “Rural fi remen deserve all the credit,” Barton said. “They are doing their service gratis in unimaginable conditions.” Through its Operation Round-up, OEC also donated $10,000 to the “Burn Barn,” a donation center that was featured in the July issue of Oklahoma Living. IEC, which suffered the most extensive damage during the
wildfi res, donated $250 Visa gift cards to their fi re victims. Over the span of three days, the co-op gave out close to $33,000. Electric cooperatives remain strong during unavoidable di- sasters through the tie to other co-ops and the connections to their communities. Linemen serving beyond the call of duty at their own cooperatives, lending a hand to other cooperatives, and leaders extending neighborly support to their families and service organi- zations combine to make a bond that is not easily bro- ken. In fact, the cooperative bond can withstand the test
of fi re. OL
Right: Members of the City of Collinsville Fire Department pause with VVEC General Manager Alice Houston. VVEC donated nearly 70,000 bottles of water and Gatorade to 40 fi re de- partments. Photo by Kay Rabbitt-Brower
JULY 2012 7
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